Gene Expression of Type 2 17β Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase in Scalp Hairs of Hirsute Women

The study analyzed androgen receptor (AR) and type 2 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) gene expression in scalp hair keratinocytes from 58 hirsute women (31 with PCOS, 27 with IH), 15 control women, and 10 control men. AR expression was similar across all groups, but type 2 17β-HSD expression was lower in untreated hirsute patients (2.1±0.10) compared to normal women (3.1±0.17) and similar to men (1.8±0.22). Treated hirsute patients showed higher type 2 17β-HSD expression and lower hirsutism scores, suggesting that lower expression of this enzyme in untreated patients indicates androgen metabolism disturbances, while higher expression in treated patients may reflect restored enzyme activity and androgen metabolism.